CN-PAC Calls for International-Calibre Design Competition for Kelowna’s Future Performing Arts Centre

Kelowna, BC — The recent announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada that the long-awaited renewal of 24 Sussex Drive will begin with an architectural design competition highlights the value of selecting exceptional public architecture through an open, competitive process.

Citizens for a New Performing Arts Centre (CN-PAC) believes Kelowna should embrace the same approach for one of the most important civic projects in its history—a new performing arts centre.

“CN-PAC has consistently advocated for an architectural design competition,” said Myles Bruckal, the organization’s president. “A competition encourages innovative thinking, ensures designs meet budget and functional requirements, and gives the public an opportunity to help shape a building that will become a defining landmark for generations.”

Many of the world’s most celebrated civic buildings were born from architectural competitions. The Sydney Opera House, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Montreal’s Habitat 67 all emerged from competitive design processes that challenged architects to think boldly while meeting practical objectives. Today, these projects are recognized internationally as symbols of their communities.

Kelowna has a rare opportunity to create a performing arts centre that is more than a venue—it can become an architectural icon that reflects the city’s creativity, ambition, and growing stature. A landmark building would not only serve artists and audiences but also become one of the city’s most recognizable images, attracting visitors, inspiring civic pride, and appearing in photographs shared around the world for decades to come.

“A building of this significance will shape Kelowna’s identity for the next century,” added Bruckal. “Our community deserves a design process that encourages excellence and delivers a destination that future generations will be proud to call their own.”

We encourage the City of Kelowna to launch an open architectural design competition as the first step toward creating a world-class performing arts centre that will become a lasting symbol of the city’s cultural future.